
Finding the right angel investors near you can be a game-changer for your business. With over 70,000 angel investors in the US alone, the pool is vast.
Angel investors typically invest between $25,000 to $1 million in startups, making them a crucial source of funding for early-stage businesses.
Locating angel investors near you requires research and networking. Start by attending industry events and conferences to meet potential investors face-to-face.
Networking with other entrepreneurs and business owners can also lead to valuable introductions and connections.
Expand your knowledge: Small Business Angel Investors
Finding Investors
Finding angel investors can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a huge network of connections. To find angel investors near you, start by narrowing your search to those who invest in your industry.
Angel investors come in different flavors, so you'll want to find ones that write checks for exactly what you do. You can do this by researching their investment focus and looking for ones that match your business needs.
To increase your chances of finding the right investor, sort your list by those who are closest to you. Simply type in your zip code to scan the angel investor network for those investors who are in your area.
You can also use online platforms to find angel investors, but be sure to check their local criteria before reaching out. Some angel investors may not invest outside of a particular area, so it's best to spend some time on their online profile to get a sense for how they work.
Here are some key things to look for in an angel investor:
Near You
Finding angel investors near you can be a great way to get funding for your business. Angel investors tend to source deals that are close to them, so it's a good idea to start your search locally.
You can use online platforms to find angel investors in your area by typing in your zip code. This will scan the angel investor network for those investors who are in your area.
Suggestion: Angel Investors San Francisco Bay Area
Some angel investors will have specific local criteria, so it's best to spend a little time on their online profile to get a sense for how they work. If they don't invest outside of a particular area, it's not worth reaching out to them.
Here are some tips for finding angel investors near you:
- Use online platforms to search for angel investors in your area
- Check the online profiles of potential investors to see if they have local criteria
- Don't waste your time reaching out to investors who don't invest in your area
You can also check out organizations like the North Mississippi Angel Fund, which brings together investors from across the region to fund startup companies.
Find by Industry
Finding investors can be a daunting task, but it's essential to start by filtering through the industry or market you currently serve. Generally speaking, angel investors follow particular industries as their first filter.
Angel investors are more likely to invest in industries they're familiar with, so it's crucial to find those who have a genuine interest in your market. You'd be wasting your time trying to pitch angel investors on an industry they don't serve.
The more specific you can make your search, the better. Start by filtering by industry, and then worry about the rest of the filters later.
Check this out: Early Stage Start Grants Maryland
Understanding Investing
Angel investors offer financial backing for infant businesses, many of which have a hard time finding funding from traditional sources. They provide the money that can make or break a business idea.
The money an angel investor provides is not a loan, unlike funding from a traditional bank or even family. Instead, they buy an ownership stake in your business, hoping the venture succeeds and both you and the investors make money.
Here are some key facts about angel investors and their investment:
- The money is not a loan, but an investment in your business.
- Angel investors believe in risk and are willing to back ventures on the cutting edge of technology and industry.
- They have a lot of money, with investments ranging from $25,000 to $500,000.
Pros and Cons
Understanding what you need from an investment is crucial before starting your search for investors. Knowing the type of investment you're looking for will provide direction and make you look polished and confident.
Having a clear understanding of your funding needs is essential. Do you need $10,000 to get your business going or $1 million? Knowing this will help guide you as you start your search for investors.
See what others are reading: Angel Investors Startups
Angel investors offer financial backing for infant businesses that have a hard time finding funding from traditional sources. They can be the difference between making your idea a reality or having it stored in a desk drawer.
However, angel investors are not going to dump a bunch of money in your bank account without any expectations. There are clear trade-offs that any business owner just starting out should be aware of.
You should be aware that angel investors will have expectations, but the right investor can be a game-changer for your business.
A different take: Business Angel
Dig Into Portfolios
Angel investors don't typically publish their investment ranges like venture capital companies do, making it hard to assess whether they're a good fit for you.
To get a better sense of their investing preferences, research their portfolio investments and see if they've backed deals like yours.
Each investment tells you a lot about their market interests and funding sizes, so look for patterns in their portfolio.
You can even use this information to reach out to an angel investor with a personalized message, like "I see you've invested in Widget Worx, Inc. - we have an opportunity that serves a similar market."
This approach shows you've done your homework and increases your chances of getting their attention.
By digging into their portfolios, you can make a more informed decision about whether an angel investor is right for your business.
Here are some key things to look for in an angel investor's portfolio:
- Funding sizes: Do they typically invest in deals your size?
- Market interests: Do they have a history of investing in your industry or niche?
- Deal types: Do they prefer to invest in early-stage startups or more mature businesses?
Who Is an Investor?
An investor is someone who provides capital to an entrepreneur or small business in its early stages.
Angel investors, in particular, offer financial backing in exchange for equity in the company. They're often the only option for new businesses struggling to access traditional funding.
Angel investors are considered a saving grace for startups, providing much-needed capital at a critical time.
What Is Investing?
Investing is providing money to a business in exchange for partial ownership or debt that can be converted into shares.
Angel investors, for instance, provide seed money to high-potential businesses, typically ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
These investments are not free money, but rather a calculated risk that can pay off in the future.
Some angel investors get partial ownership in the business, while others receive convertible debt that gives them the right to switch the debt into shares of company stock in the future.
Many states also grant tax credits to angel investors, making their investment even more attractive.
Worth a look: How to Raise a Seed round
Funding Options
Finding angel investors can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a huge web of connections.
There are some steps you can take to find funding for your brand new business or business idea. You don't have to rely on a huge network of people to throw money at your startup.
For your interest: Angel Investors for Small Business
Networking and Preparation
Building a strong network is crucial when seeking angel investors. Your network can provide valuable connections and insight into potential investors.
Connecting with other small business owners in your area is a great place to start. The small business community is relatively small, making it easier to make connections and gather information.
Finding a mentor through SCORE, a nonprofit organization and partner of the US Small Business Administration, can also be helpful. SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals with access to valuable resources and information.
Knowing what type of investment you're looking for will guide your search and make you appear polished and confident. This includes determining how much money you need and whether you're open to working with multiple investors.
Grow Your Network
Growing your network is crucial when looking for investments. Your network is a web of contacts that can provide valuable insights and connections.
You don't have to know someone who's prepared to invest in your business, but your friend, neighbor, or uncle might know someone who is. The small business community is small, so it's worth reaching out to other small business owners in your area.
Connecting with other small business owners can be a great way to get insight into angel investors who are looking for new opportunities. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that can help you find a mentor who's an established and experienced business professional.
These mentors have access to hard-won information and resources, which might include an "in" with an angel investor.
Preparing to Meet with an Investor
You only get one chance to make a good impression, so before meeting with an angel investor, get your house in order by collecting all necessary data and perfecting your pitch.
First, create a solid business plan and executive summary. This will serve as the foundation for your pitch. You should also craft a pitch that covers the problem, solution, and why you're the one to fix it, as well as market opportunity, research, go-to-market strategy, competitive analysis, and revenue model.
A pitch can be like a job interview, so be prepared to answer questions and ask for information. To do this, you should understand what type of investment you're looking for, such as how much money you need and whether you're looking for a single investor or multiple investors.
On a similar theme: Pitch Deck for Angel Investors
Here are some key areas to focus on when preparing to meet with an angel investor:
- Problem, solution, and why you're the one to fix it
- Market opportunity and research
- Go-to-market strategy, competitive analysis, and revenue model
- Your team and the advantage you have over the competition
Don't be afraid to ask for help – getting coaching before your pitch can make all the difference.
Regional Information
You can find angel investors in various regions, including the Midwest.
Angel investors are active in Missouri, particularly in Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis.
The state of Kansas has a tax credit designed to benefit angels, making it an attractive location for investment.
You can also find angel groups active around the Midwest, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors.
The small business community is a great place to start when looking for angel investors, as they often have connections with other investors.
Take a look at this: Angel Investors Kansas City
About Mississippi Network
The Mississippi Angel Investor Network is a game-changer for entrepreneurs in the state, providing a platform to connect with potential investors and secure early-stage capital.
Innovate Mississippi plays a crucial role in this process, identifying promising companies and preparing them to present to the Network. This screening and preparation process ensures that only the highest quality companies are presented to investors.

The Network engages with over 120 companies a year, carefully selecting 8-10 companies to present to the Angels. This rigorous process helps to create a high-quality deal flow that can lead to successful investments.
Typical returns expected from investments in the Network are three times the return on investment in three years, or five times the return in five years. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking to grow their portfolio.
So There in the Midwest?
So there are angel investors in the Midwest? Yes, they can be found in Missouri, particularly in Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis.
Angel investors are active around the Midwest, and in Kansas, there's a tax credit designed to benefit them.
Seeking Investment
If you're preparing to meet with an angel investor, you only get one chance to make a good impression, so it's essential to get your house in order.
You'll need a solid business plan and an executive summary, which should cover the problem, solution, and why you're the right person to fix it. This is where an experienced coach can be a huge help.
Crafting a pitch can be a daunting task, but it's crucial to cover the market opportunity, go-to-market strategy, competitive analysis, and revenue model. You should also highlight your team and what sets you apart from the competition.
A pitch can be like a job interview, so be prepared to answer questions and ask for information, too. Here are some questions to ask angel investors:
- The problem, the solution and why you’re the one to fix it
- Market opportunity and the research to back up your numbers
- Go-to-market strategy, competitive analysis and revenue model
- Your team and the advantage you have over the competition
Don't be afraid to ask for help; KCSourceLink can connect you with experienced counselors who can provide free guidance, and you can call them at 816-235-6500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you pay an angel investor?
Angel investors typically invest between 10-40% of your business in exchange for equity, with the exact amount depending on your growth potential and willingness to give up ownership.
Sources
- http://www.invstor.com/learn/find-angel-investors
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/angel-investors-near-me-find-suitable-your-location-startuplanes-zmpbf
- https://www.lendio.com/blog/how-to-find-angel-investors-small-business/
- https://www.innovate.ms/mississippi-angel-network/
- https://www.kcsourcelink.com/guides/funding-your-business/angel-investing/
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